Day of Compassion to honour lives and losses through the pandemic

Events across the city are being held as part of a ‘Day of Compassion’ to honour the people of Brighton & Hove and the lives lost through the Covid pandemic.

At its heart is the ‘Service of Compassion’, running from 4pm to 5.50pm on Sunday 17 October 2021 in the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.

The Mayor of Brighton & Hove will oversee the service, which features music from the popular local folk and acoustic band The Cheer-Up Mollys and performances by The Florentine Quartet and The Soul of the City gospel choir. 

Three short films will feature the people of Brighton & Hove, and there will be readings and memories from those who have been in the front line of service.

From 11am to 2pm, Brighton Dome’s Foyer will open as a ‘Place for Reflection’, with stalls for visitors run by a selection of charities and services that have supported the city through the pandemic. 

The day is organised by Brighton & Hove’s Interfaith Contact Group, which serves as Chaplain to the Mayor, and represents many of the faith groups, and none, in the city. 

Everyone is welcome to take part and share a moment of compassion on this special day. The event will be BSL Interpreted

Tickets are free for the service, but need to be booked in advance.

A Place for Reflection is free and open for anyone to drop-in to the Brighton Dome Foyer from 11am to 2pm. 

Supporting events

An exhibition about the city and its people during the pandemic, honouring the Day of Compassion will be held in Jubilee Library from 11 to 24 October.

This exhibition will be visited by the mayor on 12 October and he will be the first to sign the Book of Condolence in Jubilee Library.

Other events on 17 October, include a calming, reflective and restorative workshop session for children aged between 8 and 12 years old to remember someone they’ve lost in Fabrica on Duke Street.

The Unitarian Church on New Road will be hosting A Death Café and music from the inspirational Companion Voices.  

And at the Friends’ Meeting House on Ship Street there will be opportunities for meditation, a quiet space and the ‘Images of the Self-Less’ photographic exhibition.

Our city coming together

The Day of Compassion is the initiative of the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Alan Robins and his Chaplain, the Interfaith Contact Group. 

Councillor Robins said: "Our city, like so many, has suffered terribly during the pandemic. 

“We cannot quantify the pain, but we all share the sorrow of those who experienced the passing of nearly 500 people – friends and relatives – who died in our city over this time. 

"Many of us have experienced loss, and the Day of Compassion allows our city – a place unique for its spirit – to share its sorrows and come together in a gesture of heartfelt kind-heartedness. 

"This is the essence of the day and the Service of Compassion we’re holding in the Brighton Dome."